List of Top Colleges in California

By Surveen Arora

California is a place which is not only renowned for its varied landscape and Hollywood celebrities, but it is also a great center of education. Apart from the residents of California, students from different parts of the world also come here for pursuing different programs from the top colleges. There are numerous colleges and universities in California which offer varied programs to students worldwide. Several disciplines like photography, business, acting, nursing, etc are in offer for the students. If you are interested in pursuing courses from California, you can have a look at the list of colleges in California offering different programs.
Top Colleges in California

Here we will be discussing about the top colleges in California of different disciplines of study.
Popular Junior Colleges in California

The junior colleges help students to gain skills and knowledge which prepare them for 4 years of degree programs or for entering into professional field. Some of the popular junior colleges in California are listed below:

1. Santa Barbara City College
2. Napa Valley College
3. College of Alameda
4. American River College
5. Los Angeles City College

Popular Fashion Colleges

Presence of Hollywood makes California an ideal place for fashion. The fashion industry is flourishing in this state and students can create great career for themselves in this industry. Some of the top colleges which are well known for different courses in fashion are listed below:

1. California College of the Arts
2. Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM)
3. Otis College of Art and Design
4. Academy of Couture Art
5. Academy of Art University

Top Acting Colleges in California

If you want to make a career in acting, then you can enroll in any of the top colleges which are well known for their acting programs. The skills and technique of acting are taught in these acting programs. Here is a list of colleges in California which are well known for their acting programs.

1. American Musical and Dramatic Academy
2. The Hollywood Film & Acting Academy
3. Stella Adler Academy of Acting and Theatre
4. Theatre of Arts Multimedia School of Acting
5. The American Academy of Dramatic Arts

Top Colleges of Nursing

Nursing is a profession which is growing day by day. There are many colleges which offer different nursing programs. There are different job roles for nursing in the professional field. Here we will list some of the top colleges which have different programs in nursing which the students can avail.

1. Biola University
2. University of San Francisco
3. Humboldt State University
4. Loma Linda University
5. Samuel Merritt University

Top Dancing Colleges

Dance is all about passion. If you have the passion, you can establish yourself as a renowned dancer and make dancing your profession. However it is essential to get a certificate or degree from a good dancing college. Let us have a look at some of the top dancing colleges in this state.

1. California State University Long Beach
2. University of California-Irvine
3. Pomona College
4. Sharon Disney Lund School of Dance
5. School of Music and Dance, San Diego State University

This is an extensive list of colleges in California from where you can make your pick.

Surveen Arora is a knowledge seeker and has keen interest in a vast range of topics. She is passionate about writing and loves sharing information which might be helpful for the people. Education is an important part of her writing. To get more information about list of colleges in California

[http://studyinus.bestindiaedu.com/colleges/california.html], she recommends visiting different educational sites.
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The 10 Largest Gun Stores in the USA

Author: Christa Kowalczyk 
Gun stores in the US provide a range of firearms to meet the different needs of people - whether for safety or sporting purposes.

The first largest gun store is Wal-Mart, Stores, Inc. It is a chain of huge department stores. According to 2008 Fortune Global 500, it is the world's largest public corporation by revenue with revenue of 378.80 billion dollars in 2007. It is the nation's largest grocery retailer, toy seller and even gun and firearms seller. For more than 40 years, it offered all types of sporting goods including ammunitions. Because they are the largest gun store, they are committed to responsible gun selling and strengthen rules in gun sales including video storage of gun purchases and monitor guns sold and purpose of purchase. They continue to promote guns for sporting and hunting purposes and not as assault weapons.

Second is Kmart, another chain of department stores in the US. In 2005, it merged with Sears. It is the third largest discount store after Wal-Mart and Target. Its headquarters is located in Troy, Michigan. It sells hunting and sporting guns and ammunitions but not handguns.

Third is the Sports Authority, which is USA's largest retailer of full line, sporting goods. It has more than 400 stores. Its total sales reached 2.44 billion dollars in 2005. Its headquarters is located in Englewood, Colorado.

Fourth, is the Gart store, which has over 70 years of sporting goods retailing in the US. It started in 1924 when Nathan Garth sold fishing rods for $50. It opened its first superstore in Denver, Colorado in 1971. In 1998, Gart Sports merged with Sportsmart. Several years after, it finally sold its label to Sports Authority after experiencing revenue losses.

Fifth, is the Big 5 Sporting Goods, which is another sporting goods retailer with headquarters in El Segundo, California. It has 366 stores in 11 states and is led by Steve Miller as Chairman, CEO. In 2004, it reached total sales of 769.9 million dollars.

Sixth is the Airsoft Atlanta store, which was founded by passionate airsoft players and started in summer of 2000. A year after that it opened its first walk-in store focused on airsoft USA avid fans. As of date, the company occupies a 11,500 square ft store and warehouse selling the largest collection of airsoft guns, parts, accessories and tactical gears used all over the world. In support of environmental protection, they offer 100% biodegradable BBs in their ammunitions, exercise recycling of cardboard waste, used styrofoam and batteries, and partially use wind power as electric source. Products are of high quality yet sold at low prices. They offer good customer and shipping services.

Seventh, is the Hyatt Gun Shop. It started business in 1959 and considers itself as a true gun store, which offers wide range of guns, ammunition and direct gun accessories. Awarded with a federal firearms license, they offer over 3000 stocks of firearms.

Located in Charlotte, North Carolina it abides by responsible selling procedures. It adheres to strict rules of gun selling like requiring identification cards, permits and background checking from its potential clients. New and used gun auctions are held and clients are requested to bid on the products properly. They offer a no retraction, no trade policy in auctions. They do not export and don't ship any firearm products overseas; however they ship and export non firearm accessories overseas. New guns are provided with warranty.

Eighth, is the Compasecco Inc., is North America's largest supplier of air guns, pellet guns, air pistols, BB guns, air scopes, and air rifles from the world's leading manufacturers like Tech Force, CZ, Crossman, Walther, Air Guns, Avanti, Air Force, Anics, Colt, Air Arms, Gamo, Beeman, RWS, Air Soft, Crosman, Daisy, Benjamin Sheridan, Smith & Wesson, Beretta, Remington, Logun, Sam Yang, Winchester, Sumatra, Marksman, and Umarex. It features gun reviews on its website http://Compasecco.com to help potential clients decide on which product to buy. It also contains an online catalog on the latest discounts, combo deals and new products, which can also be ordered on line.

Ninth store is the AcuSport Corp, nation's leading distributor of outdoor and shooting products. One of the largest gun catalogers, it is located in Bellefontaine, Ohio and led by William Fraim, CEO. In 1992 mail order sales went up to 75 million dollars.

Gunrunner Fine Firearms and Auction Co. is tenth on the list. It is located in Burton, Ohio. It offers more than 700 guns of all types. It specializes in Winchester levers, Belgium Brownings, German Weatherbys, Colt Single Actions, fine double guns, Military weapons, etc. as well as scores of good hunting guns/collectibles. It is owned and operated by Scott Weber, a shooter and hunter for more than 20 years. The shop is also into auctions, as a matter of fact had 25 successful auctions from high grade double guns to military weapons.
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Major Student Loans in the USA - An Overview

By Eshwarya Patel

America is considered to be the world-leader in higher education, which is indeed very expensive in this country. If you are looking for a way to pay for your college or for the higher studies of your daughter or son, the best shortcut is to find a wealthy relative and ask him/her for a little assistance! But, the fact is that you do not need to do so as the federal government offers a large number of attractive student loan programs for all those who wish to study further but cannot afford it.

Following is an overview of some of the major student loans made available to the needy in the US:

1) Perkins Loan

Popular for its lowest interest rate, usually fixed at 5%, Perkins loans can be availed by both, graduates as well as the undergraduates. The repayment period is extended to as long as 10 years. This loan is very attractive for students who wish to pursue a career in public service fields, such as the military, law, non-profit jobs, and teaching, as the loan is discharged by the government in this case. Important things to bear in mind are first, these loans are made available to the applicants on the first-come-first serve basis and second, the concerned school/college acts as the lender.

2) PLUS Loans

PLUS Loans are offered to graduates and undergraduates, who are enrolled at least half-time. They are usually granted directly by the government. Although these loans have a cap of 7.9%, the interest rates charged are flexible. However, the loans that are distributed by the government through school or private lenders charge an interest rate of 8.5%. Besides, an additional fee is required to be paid by the borrower. The repayment period is extended to 10 years and the student must start the payment of monthly installments within 60 days of the disbursement of the final loan.

3) Stafford Loans

Like the PLUS Loans, these loans can be availed to graduates and undergraduates who are enrolled in school at least half-time. Usually, the amount of the loan that will be partially subsidized by the government depends largely on the financial needs of a student. The student is required to start the loan repayment six months after graduation, while the entire interest is paid by Uncle Sam during the school/college years. However, the 6-month grace period is not allowed in case the student applies for an unsubsidized loan. The rate of interest charged on these loans, both subsidized and unsubsidized, is capped at 6.8%, while their repayment period varies from 10 to 25 years.

How to Apply?

If you wish to apply for any of these loans, you must first apply for FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. However, applying for it does not guarantee you the loan. The loan amount will be granted to you by the government based on your financial condition and needs. To get all the details and avoid any last-minute confusions, get in touch with a financial aid counselor or a loan officer from a lending institution.

Find the Best Student Financial Aid Counselors in your locality and get more details on Shopping for Student Loan Rates on Online Loan Officers - The Ultimate Loan and Mortgage Guide.

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Introducing America's Top Cities: New York, NY

By Lizette Balsdon

Five years after that a settlement was established and that place is now known as New York, NY. Dutch Governors bought the area at the time and it was named New Amsterdam. One of these governors named Peter Minuit bought what is known as Manhattan Island from Indians for buttons, trinkets and beads. Some fifty years later this was seized by the Duke of York and renamed in honor of the Duke.

The end of the war handed over the city over to the Americans. The city hall was used to inaugurate George Washington as President of the USA. Congress would hold its meetings between 1700 and eighty-five to 1790.

Just before the year 1900 the city developed further to include Staten Island, Queens, Bronx, Brooklyn and Manhattan. Today, it is referred to as the Big Apple and is a leader in finance, communication and the arts. The port is rated as the largest port complex on the East coast. The United Nations is housed there and some of the biggest corporations are housed in this city. It is also the hub for radio broadcasting, publishing, fashion and advertising.

Tragedy struck in two thousand and one when airplane hijackers forced two passenger carriers into the World Trade Center and this devastated the world famous Twin Towers. There was much loss of life as a result of this heinous act of terrorism. The Twin Towers have never been rebuilt since then.

There are more than one hundred and fifty museums in the city and members of the public and tourists are welcome to visit them. There are some 6400 miles of sidewalks for people to enjoy sightseeing on. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and to not worry about fashion when walking about the city.

Visitors are able to rent bicycles or skates to ride and skate in Central Park. The streets are not the place to do this, as it is too dangerous to do so. The ferry is free for people to use and take in the sights of Manhattan. Many people take a picnic lunch when visiting New York, N.Y on a daily trip.

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How Large Is The Single Mom Issue In The United States?

By Lance Winslow

Not long ago, I was discussing the single parent challenges in America that we face. I was speaking to an online acquaintance about how difficult it was for single moms for instance to earn a living, raise their child, and maintain a household without at least some assistance. Yes, there is assistance from all levels of government, and often nice programs in the communities as well. Still, consider how big this challenge really is, how many kids and mom's it involves, and further what it means for the future of this great nation.

In the Wall Street Journal there was an article titled; "A Proposal for Michelle Obama's Next Campaign," by Abby W. Schachter published on January 15, 2013 which noted that "26% of the children in this country are raised by a single parent," and amongst poor families the number is 71%. That number is unfortunately way too high, I am certain that you will agree. In the black community the article noted the number at 72%, and that again, way too high.

Now then, the single mom problem is a real problem in this country, and I understand it to be a problematic issue in the black community, but it also seems that the NAACP had gotten a lecture from Mr. Obama on that, which I thought was the right way to play it, and it really couldn't be said by a white president without backlash in the media. Of course, the problem is indeed across ALL segments of our population. It's so hard to earn a living and be a single mom, and we see the problems in the schools too because of this.

Still, make no mistake, this isn't just a problem of the black community, it's a problem everywhere in the US, though all segments of our population. Although the problem doesn't seem to be getting any worse, it's already bad enough that each one of us should take notice. Indeed, over the years I certainly have. Consider also at a time of high-unemployment what an additional burden this can be. The single mom cannot feed her child or children without food assistance.

Most are able to rise to occasion at great sacrifice to themselves and sometimes kids fall through the cracks, but it's not always possible depending on circumstances for these single moms to make due. This is why we have some of the programs we have for social welfare, unfortunately as the economy fails to recover it has now become a perpetual problem with no real end in sight. I'd like you to think about this for a few moments today and give praise to single moms across this great nation. Please think on that.

Lance Winslow is the Founder of the Online Think Tank, a diverse group of achievers, experts, innovators, entrepreneurs, thinkers, futurists, academics, dreamers, leaders, and general all around brilliant minds. Lance Winslow hopes you've enjoyed today's discussion and topic. http://www.WorldThinkTank.net - Have an important subject to discuss, contact Lance Winslow.

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Rules and Regulations For US Student Visa

By Karoline Hurfurth

Every year, out of the thousands of students vying for the coveted student visa to US, many are unable to qualify for it because of the numerous requirements by the USCIS. However, if you are enrolling for an academic program, it is best to know about the different student visa for the colleges and universities. As a non-immigrant student, ensure that you have checked the credentials for the university and that it is SEVP certified.

There are different student visas and those students looking to attend a conservatory, private elementary school, seminary, high school, university and college are eligible for the F visa while those students looking to get an admission at a non-academic institute, vocational training program and language training academy is eligible for the M-visa. But if you are looking to join a short recreational study program that is less than 18 hours, you can do it on a Visitor visa but if the course is more than 18 hours a week or more than 7 days, you need to have a student visa.

Additionally, if you have to attend conferences, seminars or program of study as an academic credit in US you will require a student visa. It is best to apply for the student visa to US with ample time to ensure that there are no hassles. The student visa is issued within 120 days, by the US Consulate before the course registration by filing in the Form I-20. The embassy holds the application till the visa is issued.

As per the Department of Homeland Security regulation, the students are advised that the students have to be in US 30 days or less prior to attending the academic session. If any student is looking to come to US more than 30 days before the academic session starts, a tourist visa will be needed while you'll have to make the intention of study clear to the officers at the Immigration and port of entry to US. After a few days, the change of status has to be applied by filing the Form I-539 and you will need to submit the Form I-20 at the Department of Homeland Security. You will not be able to start your academic session if the visa category is not changed.

For the students that are already enrolled in an academic course can apply for a new visa anytime that they like. However they should have student status and current records at the SEVIS and can enter US at their convenience before their classes start. But as every university or college has their own rules and regulations, the student needs to check with them too.

In case you are unable to get the right direction as you plan on submitting for a student visa, it is best to take the assistance of an immigration attorney or international student services to ensure that the application and documentation is done as needed. Any mistake or lapse on your part can negate your chances of being eligible for a student visa to USA.

For the latest information on obtaining a student visa and on finding a US immigration lawyer visit the website eb-5investorgreencard.com.

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DC Hair Laser Removal Washington

By Harry Rockwell

Laser hair removal services are provided by various specialists in professional centers in the Washington DC area. dc hair laser removal washington is a safe and effective treatment to remove unwanted hair from your upper lip, chin, legs, underarms, bikini area, chest, neck,... in fact from most anywhere.

The laser beam that is used in the laser hair removal device is directed at the hair follicles. The dark pigments in the follicle absorb the laser light energy. As the follicle absorbs more and more energy the follicle dies and can no longer grow hair. This is the mechanism on which dc hair laser removal washington works. Whatever be your skin complexion you can expect to have a good result thanks to advanced technology and professional expertise. Although it may hurt a bit both men and women are trying it out and that too successfully.

Find out your skin type and choose the laser center that is most suited for you. Try to get suggestions from those who have been through dc hair laser removal washington. Then you can surely leave all your worries behind.

Laser hair removal can also treat your problem of ingrown hair. Often men have to deal with ingrown hair in their beard area and neck. Women face problem with it mainly in the bikini area. Since laser hair removal targets hair at the follicle it's the most remarkable ingrown hair treatment. It actually removes the root of the problem. After several sessions, you yourself will notice your hair shedding and the dark spots and bumps from folliculitis disappearing.

The cost of dc hair laser removal washington varies from one specialist to another. Each case is unique and the cost of treatment is dependent on this individuality factor also.

So if you have unwanted facial and body hair I can tell you for sure that dc hair laser removal washington is the perfect treatment for you. You can check out Sona MedSpa, a laser hair removal office in the Washington DC area. Whether you are a male or a female through expert and professional care you will get yourself a new look at quite reasonable prices.

Laser Hair Removal

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Will ObamaCare Cost Employers More Money?

By Lance Winslow

Not long ago, I was talking to a fellow business owner about the disastrous effects of ObamaCare when it goes live. He is somewhat left-leaning, even though he owns his own business, and he tried to defend ObamaCare and he asked me; exactly what in ObamaCare is going to cause small business owners any challenges?

I told him that if he had a company of over 50 employees it would cost him easily over $4500 per year per employee. He said he didn't have 50 employees, he only has 10. Then he told me that unless I had read the entire Affordable Health Care Act then I shouldn't be making any statements. Still, I threw this back at him and I said unless he had read it he should not defend such a worthless piece of legislation. Still, he wanted to know what I think will happen once a goes into effect, and therefore I've made a small list for you.

Less Expansion
Forcing Jobs Offshore
Closing of Companies
Increase in Health Care Fines
Higher Prices - Wholesale Inflation
Eventual Collapse of the Government Run Obama Care Program

There will obviously be less expansion of businesses because no business owner will want to get more than 50 employees. If business owners fail to grow, they won't buy any new equipment, which will also hurt the manufacturing sector. In that case it will force jobs offshore because that's where people can manufacture cheaper. Once those manufacturing jobs are taken offshore, companies will close.

Those businesses which cannot afford to pay more for healthcare insurance and still stay in business might opt to pay the penalty and fine instead. This means that more people will get on board with the government run health care system, which will run inefficiently because government doesn't do anything very well. This will cause a balloon in the ObamaCare program, which will eventually collapse and stick the taxpayer with the bill.

This will cause a collapse in our healthcare system, higher taxation, less than adequate healthcare, and therefore the whole activity is a waste of time and hurtful to businesses. Worst of all, it will increase costs of businesses which in turn will cause wholesale inflation and that means every consumer will not only be paying higher taxes, but they will also be paying more for health care and all the products they buy.

Indeed, this is just what I've read from all the summaries of those who have read this legislation and written economic essays on the topic. Still, from what I know from the free-market, I've added my points of contention here and I hope you will please consider it all.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank.

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20 Reasons Why the USA Has a Vested Interest in Israel - From a South African Perspective

By Andrew Smit

The Middle East has been growing date palms for centuries. The average tree is about 18-20 feet tall and yields about 38 pounds of dates a year.

Israeli date trees are now yielding 400 pounds/year and are short enough to be harvested from the ground or a short ladder.

Israel, the 100th smallest country, with less than 1/1000th of the world's population, can lay claim to the following:

The cell phone was developed in Israel by Israelis working in the Israeli branch of Motorola, which has its largest development center in Israel.

Most of the Windows NT and XP operating systems were developed by Microsoft-Israel.

The Pentium MMX Chip technology was designed in Israel at Intel.

Both the Pentium-4 microprocessor and the Centrino processor were entirely designed, developed and produced in Israel.

The Pentium microprocessor in your computer was most likely made in Israel.

Voice mail technology was developed in Israel.

Both Microsoft and Cisco built their only R&D facilities outside the US in Israel.

The technology for the AOL Instant Messenger ICQ was developed in 1996 by four young Israelis.

Israel has the fourth largest air force in the world (after the U.S, Russia and China). In addition to a large variety of other aircraft, Israel's air force has an aerial arsenal of over 250 F-16's. This is the largest fleet of F-16 aircraft outside of the U.S.

Israel's $100 billion economy is larger than all of its immediate neighbors combined.

Israel has the highest percentage in the world of home computers per capita.

According to industry officials, Israel designed the airline industry's most impenetrable flight security. US officials now look (finally) to Israel for advice on how to handle airborne security threats.

Israel has the highest ratio of university degrees to the population in the world.

Israel produces more scientific papers per capita than any other nation by a large margin - 109 per 10,000 people - as well as one of the highest per capita rates of patents filed.

In proportion to its population, Israel has the largest number of startup companies in the world. In absolute terms, Israel has the largest number of startup companies than any other country in the world, except the U.S. (3,500 companies mostly in hi-tech).

With more than 3,000 high-tech companies and startups, Israel has the highest concentration of hi-tech companies in the world -- apart from the Silicon Valley, U.S.

Israel is ranked #2 in the world for venture capital funds right behind the U.S. The Middle East has been growing date palms for centuries. The average tree is about 18-20 feet tall and yields about 38 pounds of dates a year.

Israeli date trees are now yielding 400 pounds/year and are short enough to be harvested from the ground or a short ladder.

Israel, the 100th smallest country, with less than 1/1000th of the world's population, can lay claim to the following:

The cell phone was developed in Israel by Israelis working in the Israeli branch of Motorola, which has its largest development center in Israel.

Most of the Windows NT and XP operating systems were developed by Microsoft-Israel.

The Pentium MMX Chip technology was designed in Israel at Intel.

Both the Pentium-4 microprocessor and the Centrino processor were entirely designed, developed and produced in Israel.

The Pentium microprocessor in your computer was most likely made in Israel.

Voice mail technology was developed in Israel.

Both Microsoft and Cisco built their only R&D facilities outside the US in Israel.

The technology for the AOL Instant Messenger ICQ was developed in 1996 by four young Israelis.

Israel has the fourth largest air force in the world (after the U.S, Russia and China). In addition to a large variety of other aircraft, Israel's air force has an aerial arsenal of over 250 F-16's. This is the largest fleet of F-16 aircraft outside of the U.S.

Israel's $100 billion economy is larger than all of its immediate neighbors combined.

Israel has the highest percentage in the world of home computers per capita.

According to industry officials, Israel designed the airline industry's most impenetrable flight security. US officials now look (finally) to Israel for advice on how to handle airborne security threats.

Israel has the highest ratio of university degrees to the population in the world.

Israel produces more scientific papers per capita than any other nation by a large margin - 109 per 10,000 people - as well as one of the highest per capita rates of patents filed.

In proportion to its population, Israel has the largest number of startup companies in the world. In absolute terms, Israel has the largest number of startup companies than any other country in the world, except the U.S. (3,500 companies mostly in hi-tech).

With more than 3,000 high-tech companies and startups, Israel has the highest concentration of hi-tech companies in the world -- apart from the Silicon Valley, U.S.

Israel is ranked #2 in the world for venture capital funds right behind the U.S.

At [http://www.turtleherbestate.co.za] login into the members area to find the full list +- 40 reasons why the US has a vested interest in this little country that everyone believes does not have anything to offer. Its amazing to see what power Israel has over the US.

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How to Make the Most From Black Friday Deals?

By Khan Paki Gee

If you are also interested in making the most from Black Friday deals then you should understand the ins and outs of this exciting program because it will be necessary for you have complete understanding towards these deals. There are many Black Friday Questions among the people and they are interested in knowing it in deep. It is one of the most important and beneficial shopping event and you will probably like to take advantage from it. Its commencement falls on the day of Friday after the Thanksgiving. In this present year, it can be on the November 26. People love to get the latest and most advantageous deals on that day and they would love to have some shopping. They like to spend their time on that day because they will have a chance to make the most Black Friday Deal.

If you have Question, in your mind then you can make them clear by knowing more about this event. You will not have to face any of the big trouble if you are going to spend some time on that day. You can take complete advantage form Black Friday Deals because these are also available online and you will not have to go to many places if you are adopting this way. You will be able to get the best deals of all the year on that day because it is rather a special day for all people and you will find number of different deals in markets and shops.

You can take the help of Internet for making the most from Black Friday Deal because these deals will be available for you on the Internet very easily and you will find them conveniently without facing any panic or trouble. You can have exciting offers and gifts while visiting these online shopping stores and this thing will be more suitable for you than any other way.

You can get the products with extra ordinary discounts and you will have a chance to buy them in cheap prices because of huge discount. You can save your money if you are interested in having this Black Friday Deal. It will be beneficial for you by all means. You can make the end of November, beautiful and attractive for you because of all these exciting and marvelous offers. You can use coupons for having some other benefits.

Now, there will not be any Black Friday Questions in your mind and you would have understood all-important points very clearly. You can make the most from this Black Friday Deal, if you are going to take part in this event. You will find this occasion full of colors and benefits, many people will love to have some share in it by shopping more and more. You can get many other advantages from that day and it is not so far from you. This deal will give you time to select most appropriate gift and product for you.

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The Dark Side of Us: Breaking Down Defence Mechanisms and Parallel Identities

By Julia Katsivo

Different identities in parallel worlds are created through experiences and our consequent thought processes. Working on separate premises means that we are mostly unaware of our split personalities, until faced with situations requiring a battle of wills.

Irony and fight lies not in squelching those things that are unfavourable to us but in understanding that the aspect of our lives we seek to protect are the very elements that need be destroyed. The threat to self is most evident when we attempt to align our spirits - for they serve separate goals. One part of us wants to live and experience life to the fullest, while the other battles to preserve a pre-determined life and way of experiencing that is adverse to change.

I call it the "why not and who said" vs. the "what's the point" factor.

Why not and who said - questions our defence systems at every turn and angle, seeking to understand where we decided not to take chances, believe in something different or attempt to critically analyze our interactive patterns. We dare not have any regrets for we may be forced to change. What's the point - is more of a work to rule, whereby deviation from pre-set conditions is an abomination and tactical offence to the sense of self. It is there to discourage and satiate existing conditions through unchanging thoughts to new and varied experiences. We dare not go ahead anyway because we don't want to deal with pain. As these differing personalities exist within the same soul, the solution then becomes an arriving at an impasse in which peace of mind is artificially acquired in a "what's best" approach.

What's best approach can be deceitful in nature as its existence is determined and controlled by the stronger of the two personalities. What's best could be a passive-aggressive adaptation of what's the point or unharnessed or overly cautious implementation of why not. Either way, the deceit lies in our self-affirmation that we have a keen sense of identity and thus work well within ourselves and with others.

If this were so, we would by all means be gods. Our human nature however reveals these internal conflicts in various ways and our singular goal then becomes our personal advancement against battling spirits within us - we work to strengthen and control what we can, so that we are able to accept what we cannot. In a never-ending game of cards, we ply wins and fails against ourselves, stacking our experiences as the cards dealt, diligently placing our bets in our best interest. As examined before, a deceitful what's best is not in our best interest, and interest then should become our area of focus.

It is in our best interest to survive, and mitigate damage to self as much as possible. It is in our best interest to adapt and evolve against an increasing experience that can be as varied or mundane as we determine. These interests collide against the identities fashioned to deal with each one - each end goal as far apart from and yet linked to the other like independent-minded conjoined twins.

The realization that to move forward in one respect or the other involves a "killing" of sorts of one personality in favour of another brings about both fight and flight reflexes, and a resulting paralysis of the soul - a mutual agreement to "just be, and stay as is". Impasse is time's greatest enemy, and by virtue of seconds ticking with or without our movement, unfolding experiences stop being catalysts for change but the enemy that must be subdued and conquered in our quest to protect ourselves. We are who we are - gets fitted into a workable mould, an agreement between self to foster an identity acceptable to us in our varied roles, so that we may somehow progress.

A lot of us live and die never fully understanding the different parts that formed us, having given into what's the point mentality and seceding from ourselves. Unknown to a lot more, many of us checked out of ourselves a long time ago, allowing the empty shells that represent us, to live and make choices on our behalf. Very few people we meet challenge these empty vessels that speak on our behalf, because it is finely tuned defence mechanisms they stand up against - and as previously established, it is in each individual's best interest to steer clear from injury to self. As a result of stunted experiences, we are unable to accept the only medication necessary to fractured selves - that being, love and selflessness, even though we know how to mimic, project and give variations of such things. We are after all intelligent beings, innately adaptable and conforming to acceptable societal standards.

Working on the premise that only love breaks down walls, I conclude that only self-love can attempt to bridge the gaps formed between our different personalities and their differing goals. The tragedy of this remedy stems from an innate inability to accept let alone reciprocate love and selflessness, as these two aspects trigger sites of trauma well-hidden and show-cased under a strong armour of strength and resilience. To know love is to give love, and yet the type of love required to bring about restorative power cannot be generated by faulty machinery.

The power of love, which thus remedies its tragedy, is found in its source. God starts the process of self-love for us. He first calls us each by name; the identity He created and hid deep in our souls, the unblemished facets that make us unique and whole in Him. In remembering God, He reminds us of ourselves - who and what we are (Matt 6:33). By relying on His love (discarding artificial sources of comfort) we then can face the dark sides of ourselves with a singular goal which is to redirect and structure our fractured selves into one (John 10:10).

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10 Reasons Why American Empire Is Collapsing

By Pavel Podolyak

The imperial perimeter is shrinking and inevitably leaving power vacuums to be filled. As that occurs, actors outside the perimeter expand their force. How can we tell?

1) Switzerland, one of the ablest money changers, has thrown its support behind the Eurozone by pegging the Swiss franc to the Euro. As explained previously, this may signal that E.U. is beginning to win the currency wars. Shorting the Euro has resulted in financial massacres as of late (hilarious considering talk of parity a year ago).

2) US abandons plans to extend presence of its troops in Iraq, thus ceding the country to the influence of much hated Tehran. Iraqi Shiite political coalition increases its autonomy having benefited from return to high oil prices. This occurs even as violence against US troops has increased this year compared to last (possibly stirred by Tehran).

3) Alexei Kudrin, one of the last and most entrenched neoliberals (ideological pro Anglo-Saxon cadres) in the Russian government, has been publicly fired by president Medvedev. This occurred after Kudrin criticized Russian Federation's plan to invest an unprecedented $700 billion to modernize its military over the next 10 years. Moscow is preparing to deal with possible instability within new power vacuums in central Asia and Europe. Putin's return to presidency (external affairs duty versus prime minister's internal affairs) next year goes well with this as he is familiar with key world leaders on a personal level.

4) Attempts to create tensions between Saudis and Persians via stories of ridiculous Tehranian "plots" in an effort to keep house of Saud under Washington's wing. Saudis no longer trust US to protect them (seeing wider Anglo-led attempts to create general instability in the region) and have began strategic autonomous dialogue with Pakistan and other players.

5) Seemingly desperate moves to prevent violence backed dollar from devaluation by starting more policing actions in weaker regions (Africa) to make up for disappearance of influence in relevant regions (like central Europe). This loss of influence is demonstrated by the defeats dealt in the Russo-Georgian conflict fiasco, cancellation of anti-ballistic missile installations in Poland, and Moscow feeling secure enough to increase pressure on its once regional ally Belarus for pure economic gain. As for Africa, besides the tragic murder of Libya, there's the hypocritical and superficial increase in policing deeper within Africa. Washington is engaging in crude attempts to displace Libya as Africa's moral leader (after having destroyed one of the better competing socioeconomic guidebooks for the continent via siding with homicidal NTC "rebels").

6) Hugo Chavez's recent decision to pull the gold that Venezuelan central bank stores abroad from its storage in NYC and London vaults.

7) Signs of belligerence between supposed Washington allies in the Middle East. Turkey and Israel increasingly hostile to each other as they cut military cooperation over the murder of Turkish citizens during the raid on Gaza flotilla. This demonstrates inability and/or lack of resources to properly mediate by DC strategists.

8) Continuing sales of US bonds by Beijing and Moscow (centers of more efficient predatory capitalism). Expanding interest by non-BRIC countries to bilaterally deal in their own currencies. Fears of abandoning the dollar are gradually fading as NATO forces are showing logistical cracks in their operations. Regional economic summits are starting to lock out and not invite DC observers.

9) Increase in autonomy seeking behavior among key NATO allies. Although still occupied, Germany maintains non-participation in Washington backed military adventures abroad. Berlin is actually dramatically slashing its defense force expenditures. France's proactive role in continental affairs and the Libya fiasco as it tries to maneuver itself to better position within NATO decision making process. Rise in belligerence in British press towards the American empire shows possible desire to decouple London's parasitic relationship with Washington (in the beginning of 20th century, up to 40% of British foreign investments were in US industry and Britain successfully destroyed two major superpowers by pitting American empire against the Soviets in the 1950s).

10) Rise in calls for an "American perestroika" in major imperialist publications (such as Foreign Affairs). There is worry among Washington's geopolitical theorists that the subject population in North America is becoming too malnourished and psychologically weak/unstable to continue energetically maintaining (much less expanding) the global force perimeter.

http://pavelpodolyak.blogspot.com/

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The End of America? A Book Review of Joel Rosenberg's Book "Implosion"

By Steve McMurray

This book is a compelling work of non fiction by Joel Rosenberg whose other works are primarily fiction based on current world events centered in the Middle East conflict between the Western nations and the nations of Islam. His other works include: Epicenter; The Twelfth Imam; The Tehran Initiative and The Copper Scroll.

Though raised in an orthodox Jewish family, Mr. Rosenberg is a Christian whose faith propels him to write about current events in the context of Biblical revelation. His unique understanding of the role of Jews and the Christian church in society brings a practical and intriguing perspective to our times.

In this work, he notes the growing alarm among many members of the United States Congress over the seemingly inevitable implosion of the U.S. economy if there is not a radical and immediate change in our present course.

However, this is not an entirely doom and gloom tome. While Rosenberg points out in frightening detail how our society is crumbling; Marriage and family structures are imploding; The educational system is collapsing; Our nation's Debt is exploding; Cultural pollution is rising and the Christian church is drifting, he nevertheless makes the case that an irreversible and complete implosion is not inevitable.

America has twice before undergone a radical transformation from an unjust society to a society more capable of compassion and justice. Rosenberg points out that these pivotal events each occurred before the Revolutionary War and again before the Civil War. What this reader also notes is that the results of these painful wars were two enshrined documents of liberty: The Declaration of Independence and the Emancipation Proclamation.

He traces the roots of these transformations of society to the transformation of individuals through the two Great Awakenings of Spiritual Revival and consequent social reformations. These events created a moral climate in which many injustices could be made right.

As in all of Rosenberg's works there is a clear message of Christ's gospel with a call to action for the believer and unbeliever alike. Although many will be put off by this, he argues that it is the acceptance of the gospel of Christ that lies at the root of each of these moral transformations of society.

Rosenberg makes the case that apart from a return to God in the way that God Himself prescribes, America's doom is certain. He points out that there is no guarantee that a return to God will prevent an economic implosion but without such a change of heart, there is no adequate moral compass available to steer us through this perfect storm of events that is now upon us.

This is a book worthy of discussion groups. It presents a message of hope to take to heart before the uncertainty of world events plays out.

Have you ever wondered where will you be one minute after you die? It is possible to know the answer of this question for sure. Go here to read of a man that I knew who learned this truth while he was still a drug addict.

http://heaven4sure.com and click on Peter Orasuk's story Heroin to Christ

Steve McMurray MPT

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Racism in America - News About Barrack Obama - Main Secret For Better American Future

By Gabriele Muellenberg

Racism in America already looks less prominent because of the new President, Barrack Obama. President Obama is categorized black, a person of a minority group which suffered racial discrimination in the past. Obama's winning the presidential election was a dream come true for many. Now, all American non--whites seem revitalized psychologically in believing that the American Dream really is for everyone. Barrack Obama became not only a symbol of success; he indirectly boosted the self esteem of minority groups in American society.

Children of different American ethnic groups will now see a president, who looks more like them than the previous American country leaders. The very young will realize that they are worth as much as any other citizen in the USA. Barrack Obama will be an unforgettable role model. Children will gain a better self--image at a formative age by a powerful example. However, it all will take time for the big breakthrough and end of racism in America. Improved self esteem of minority groups will help with this. When you are happy in your heart and mind you become a better person. You will love you more. Others will respect you for it.

For example, a black child in school or in the playground will act with more confidence towards others with a white skin. All this will be due to a brave president. He helped all to see each other differently. Biased actions against minority groups will disappear to a great extent. Will it stand the test of time, once President Obama has left office? Of course, it will live on. Nothing can change the fact that America's first non--white president was elected in 2008. A positive self--image is always a very powerful mindset to see you in a positive light. This positive thinking will indirectly be the main reason leading to the eradication of American racism.

The fact that racism in America will disappear is based on an opinion. Some might disagree. However, it will be very interesting to see if the future proves it right.

The author Gabriele Muellenberg lives on beautiful Tenerife Island. Learn why there is hardly any racism. She invites you to use her article, provided its link will be part of it. For questions contact her in her homepage http://www.tenerife-holiday-home-insider.com or call her at 0034 922 363685...

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Top Hospitals in NYC

By Anna Lily

New York City has the best of everything from music to arts, from food to heady drinks, museums, parks and the best resorts! Big-Apple has fabulous hospitals in the country that rank amongst the top hospitals in the world!

Hospitals in New York City are equipped with latest technologies, best doctors and skilled faculty that take 100% care of you in addition to providing the best health services. Some of the top NYC hospitals are discussed here. The first in the list is Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, is NYC premier cancer hospitals in the U.S. The hospital is renowned for its patient care, laboratory and clinical research and post-cancer lifestyle education.

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center is located at 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065

212-639-2000 and its website is: mskcc.org/mskcc/html/44.cfm

Next, we have Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell, located at 525 East 68th Street-New York City with email: nyp.org. New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell is the best pediatrics hospital in USA. This New York City hospital is revered for its cardiac care and ob-gyn care. This NYC hospital has earned the first rank in U.S. News & World Report's Honor Roll of America's Best Hospitals for the last four years. New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell is a dedicated and focused university hospital with specialists in every medical specialty. This is one such hospital of New York City where patients all round the globe run to fro its exceptional medical services!

Mount Sinai Medical Center is another New York City hospital well known for its outclass medical treatments and health care. Mount Sinai ranked the first for digestive disorders, second best hospital in New York overall in 2006 in New York Magazine's Best Hospitals rankings, and secure third & fourth best for emergency care, cancer, cardiac care, neurology/neurosurgery, pediatrics and psychiatry, ear, nose and throat.

Another top quality hospital in New York City is the Hospital for Special Surgery. It ranked first for Orthopedics and third for Rheumatology medical services. The hospital has excellent trained staff with a team of highly qualified, experienced and dedicated doctors & surgeons.

New York City undoubtedly has some of the world's most fantastic hospitals, which are excellent medical servers in addition to being top research centres!

This unique article by anna lily the staff writer for NewyorkTotal.Com. A website dedicated to provide you information about top hospitals in New York City!

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Barack Obama And Kenya - Is He A Closet Muslim?

By Arjen Koopman

Although he never lived in Africa, Senator Barack Obama - fully in the race for the American presidency - is half Kenyan by descent. He has a Kenyan father and an American mother. Rumors say Obama still is a Muslim. What are the facts?

Barack Obama's Parents

Obama's father, Barack Hussein Obama Sr., was born in a poor town in Kenya's western Nyanza province as the son of a cook in British service. It was the kind of small village where chicken roam freely and children in rags wander around the streets. The family was from the Luo tribe. The Senator's father "grew up herding goats and went to school in a tin-roof shack", as the Senator himself wrote in his book "Dreams of my Father" (1995, reissued 2004).

But the father was a smart and hard-working young man, and when John F. Kennedy launched a program to offer American scholarships to promising Kenyan students, the father grabbed the opportunity with both hands. He was able to enter the University of Hawaii that way. There he met and married Senator Obama's mother, Ann Dunham who was a fellow student at the same university. She was a full-blooded American from Kansas, coming from a blue-collar family.

Senator Obama was born there in 1961. However, the marriage only lasted until 1965. The father went on to study at Harvard, and after that returned to Kenya to work for oil companies. He went on to become an economist in the government of Jomo Kenyatta, the first Kenyan president after independence in 1963. He died in a car accident in 1982.

The mother remarried an Indonesian oil manager, Lolo Soetoro, and together with Barack Obama (who was then 5 years old) the couple moved to Jakarta in Indonesia. When Obama was ten, he returned to his grandparents in Hawaii because of the better opportunities for education there. His father came to visit him there. It would be the last time he saw him. Eventually, after Occidental College and Columbia University, Obama would enter Harvard University just like his father did.

Two Visits To Kenya

Before enrolling in Harvard, Obama visited his relatives in Kenya for the first time. His second visit in 2006, the latest to date, was an official one. Joined by his wife Michelle and his two daughters, he was received by US Ambassador Michael Rannesberger at the airport of Kenya's capital Nairobi. From there, a tour went through the city with thousands of Kenyans - proud that somebody 'from them' made it to the US Senate - cheering along the streets. A real Obama mania swept the country.

Obama also visited his 85-year old grandmother in her little village of Nyangoma-Kogelo. She cooked a traditional ugali meal for him. She didn't buy a new dress for the occasion, saying that Obama would hug her anyway, as he had done before. She doesn't speak English, so they talked through an interpreter.

Obama A Muslim?

Especially on the internet, the rumor still goes that Obama is a Muslim. That seems to be without basis in fact. Obama's grandfather converted from Christianity to Islam as a young man and added the Arab-style 'Hussein' to his name. The Senator inherited that middle name from his grandfather and father: the Senator's full name is Barack Hussein Obama like his father. Also 'Barack' has an Islamic background, meaning "blessed" in African-Arabic (East-African languages have a lot of Arab words .

But Obama's father had already abandoned Islam before he met Ann Dunham in Hawaii, becoming a skeptic, atheist person at a young age like Obama's mother. Obama's stepfather, Lolo Soetoro, was nominally a Muslim but considered religion as of little importance. The Senator himself was also leaning towards skepticism until he heard a sermon delivered in . He became a Christian and in 1988 joined Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago.

But political opponents keep circulating rumors about Obama being a closet Muslim. Even the Hillary Clinton camp fed into this by circulating a photo from Obama's Kenyan visit in 2006, with Obama wearing a traditional Somali (Muslim) costume. However, this seems to have been nothing more than Obama showing respect to his hosts and trying on the clothes that he received from them as a gift.

"In no other country on earth, is my story even possible"

During his keynote speech at the Democratic Convention in 2004, Obama drew comparisons between his background and his vision of an America with equal opportunities for all. "In no other country on earth, is my story even possible", he said, pointing to the fact he made it to the US Senate as the son of a poor black immigrant.

There's an irony in that. In Kenya, the Kikuy tribe dominates both politics and the economy. They keep out the other tribes through favoritism and even corruption. For a (half)-Luo like Obama, it would be extremely hard to become the President of Kenya. Indeed, the election violence in Kenya of December-January 2008 precisely has this background. There's evidence that sitting President Kibaki, a Kikuyu (as well as virtually his entire administration), stole the elections of his Luo opponent Raila Odinga. This sparked the riots, as the Luo as well as other smaller tribes saw this as again a signal that the Kikuyu will conspire to keep any Luo out of office.

So Kenyans are now telling each other the joke that a Luo will sooner become the President of the United States than the President of Kenya.

Arjen Koopman is an Amsterdam-based journalist, and editor of http://www.kenya-advisor.com the independent travel and country portal to Kenya. More about Barack Obama's Kenyan background is at http://www.kenya-advisor.com/barack-obama-and-kenya.html An article about the Luo tribe, from which Obama's father came, is at http://www.kenya-advisor.com/luo-tribe.html - Copyright: You may freely republish this article provided the text, the author name, the active links and this notice remain intact.

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Bus Travel in the U.S. - An Overview for Visitors

By Lila Kahn

Bus travel takes a different role in the car-driven culture of the United States than it does in most countries. Because the area of the US is so vast, flying is often the most attractive transportation option for traveling between cities and can be priced quite competitively when factoring in time and convenience. For shorter distances driving is usually the first choice for US domestic travelers. However, for routes that are under five or six hours, the bus is almost always the most economical and often the most convenient form of travel. Furthermore, as Amtrak (the national rail service) continues to see cuts in government funding, bus service is often the only ground transportation option for many destinations. Visitors who are planning to stick to major cities will most likely find having a car to be inconvenient, expensive, and unnecessary. Therefore, taking the bus between destinations is a great option.

Many Americans view traveling by bus with some trepidation, and, whether deserved or not, bus service in the US often has the reputation of being rather basic. In truth, the level of service varies greatly among bus carriers. Some carriers, like LuxBus in California or Transfloridian in Florida, offer deluxe buses and feature services that are rarely even found on airlines today, such as on-board entertainment and complimentary food and beverage service. Still, standard bus service is generally more on the budget level and offers few amenities. Food options are more likely to be a ten minute stop at a roadside fast food restaurant than on-board meal service.

The bus industry in the United States is dominated by Greyhound, which is the only remaining nationwide bus carrier. Several other companies such as Trailways and Coach USA are made up of independently owned bus companies that share marketing functions and branding. In addition there are several strong regional players in the bus industry. While these companies compete with Greyhound, they often end up sharing service on routes that do not have enough traffic to sustain two carriers. This is similar to "code sharing" in the airline industry.

The most recent development in the U.S. bus industry has been the "Chinatown bus" phenomenon. Several years ago a few enterprising business people in New York's Chinatown started running buses from Chinatown in NY to Chinatown in Boston, charging less than half of what traditional bus companies did and a fraction of what it cost to take the train or fly. They targeted Asian immigrants who wanted to shop or visit relatives and needed inexpensive and convenient transportation. Although the buses were modern and comfortable, the service was bare bones--no advertising, customer service, or bus stations. Customers simply went to the bus stop, waited for the bus, and paid the driver upon boarding. For those willing to do without frills, these companies offered virtually the same service as Greyhound at a substantially lower price. Before long, word spread about the service and all kinds of travelers started using these bus lines. They became especially popular with students, budget travelers, and people for whom the service was simply more convenient.

Soon more bus companies duplicated this model and started offering service in other markets. Now you can find this type of bus service in Philadelphia, Virginia, Washington DC, Los Angeles and San Francisco. At this point the term "Chinatown bus" is used more loosely to describe this sort of low-cost/low-frills service. Many, if not most, of the company's do not have Chinatown as there main location and may not cater to the immigrant population at all. When these companies first started operating, concerns were raised about safety standards. There is still controversy within the industry about whether these low-cost bus companies are complying with the same regulations as the traditional companies. Nonetheless, all bus companies operating in the U.S. must undergo the same inspection standards and must comply with the same rules.

Finding information about scheduled bus service is not always easy for visitors to the US. Historically bus companies have sold tickets at on-site ticket booths. Many now sell through their own websites as well. Whereas for plane travel there are many online booking sites that allow travelers to compare different carriers, it is more difficult to find route information for bus service.

Overall, the bus is a great option for visitors to the US who are looking for transportation between major US cities. For most cities, a car is not necessary and will be inconvenient and expensive. In metropolitan areas there are more choices for bus service today than at any time in the recent past. Particularly for shorter distances, it is the best way to go for the budget minded traveler.

Lila Kahn is the Marketing Manager of GotoBus.com, the leading online marketplace for bus tickets and tours in the USA. You can find out more information about the company and contact information for the author at: http://www.gotobus.com/

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California Cap and Trade Chaos Coming

By Lance Winslow

It doesn't matter what you call something, if it costs businesses more money, it acts like a tax. Most rules and regulations are like this. We know that taxes cause businesses to fail, or become unprofitable. The famous Affordable Health Care Act (a.k.a. Obama Care) was deemed by The Supreme Court's Stevens a tax, not a mandate, and therefore it was allowed, and since he was the swing vote, it is what it is today. It doesn't really matter that it's not called a tax; it acts like a tax for businesses. Okay so, let's talk about the state I live in for a moment, and what's going on here.

Not long ago, CNBC had an interesting feature on the cable business financial news entitled; "Regulatory Cliff in California," and it discussed that California was starting their Cap and Trade regulations. It would in fact bring money onto the balance sheet of the State of California, which could be a good thing, and California has recently passed a new tax, which the citizens actually voted for if you can believe that or not which will add another $6 billion to California coffers.

Now then, consider this Cap and Trade essentially taxes businesses that put out greenhouse emissions, and it gives tax rebates to those people that have clean energy, or ways to remove the carbon or pollution from the air. The big winner of course is California that gets to oversee it all. The problem is it is starting just prior to the 2013 recession. Initially, with the extra taxes which will now be imposed, along with other onerous regulations, many companies are moving out of state, and they're taking the jobs with them.

Interestingly enough, the State of Arizona is doing the same thing that the State of Nevada did a few years ago. They are trying to capture new business that is moving out of the State of California and they are busy advertising and marketing their own states to get business owners to move. With business owners having to pay larger income tax, and other regulatory taxes, fees, fines, and permitting monies it hardly makes sense to do business in California anymore.

And, even if a company stays in California or they moved to another state, Obama Care is also coming, this could easily add $4500 a year per employee to the cost of the business. If we truly want to curb unemployment, and get everyone back to work, we certainly aren't doing a very good job of convincing business people, not with these latest maneuvers, and certainly not in California. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.

Lance Winslow is the Founder of the Online Think Tank, a diverse group of achievers, experts, innovators, entrepreneurs, thinkers, futurists, academics, dreamers, leaders, and general all around brilliant minds. Lance Winslow hopes you've enjoyed today's discussion and topic. http://www.WorldThinkTank.net - Have an important subject to discuss, contact Lance Winslow.

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Who Will Win the Presidential Election in 2012?

By Ranches Lee Hall

With 2012 officially beginning, political pundits and voters alike are turning their attention to the presidential campaign approaching in November. Incumbent Barack Obama has already declared that he will run for a second term. With Obama's approval through the Democratic primaries all but certain, political aficionados have taken interest in what the Republicans will need to do to beat him.

Obama has had an up-and-down presidency thus far in the eyes of the voters. In January of 2009, after taking office, Obama stood at 69% approval. Since then, his approval rating has been on a steady decline. It isn't uncommon, however, for a president to see his or her highest approval rating just after inauguration. After experiencing his lowest approval ratings in the second half of 2011 (38% in August and October), Obama has rebounded. A December 2011 Gallup Poll saw his approval rating at 47%. Many political analysts believe that an incumbent must have around a 48% approval rating to carry a campaign to re-election.

The Economy

One of the more difficult issues Obama has had to deal with during his presidency is the economy. When Obama took office, the United States was in the midst of a recession. In fact, much of the politics surrounding the presidential election of 2008 centered on how to bring the winning candidate would bring the country out of the economic hardship facing so many of its citizens.

The recession ended in June of 2009, allowing Obama to make good on one of his campaign promises. At the end of 2011, however, much of the voting population still feels the pinch of difficult economic times. Thus, Obama will be pressured in 2012 by Republican candidates who promise to change the economic landscape. If their rhetoric can be convincing enough, the Republicans may be able to draw some undecided voters over to their side.

The Candidates

Besides the economy, it seems like the biggest determining factor in the 2012 election will be who the Republicans choose to run for them. The pool of candidates as of the beginning of 2012 has some political analysts suggesting the Republicans may be limited in their ability to unseat Barack Obama due to the lack of a competitive candidate.

The front-runner at this point for the Republicans is Mitt Romney. Romney is the former governor of Massachusetts, and made a run for the presidency during the 2008 election. He eventually conceded the Republican nomination to John McCain, however. While Romney is an articulate and charismatic politician, his voting history has been a bit too liberal for the tastes of conservatives. Romney championed health care legislation while Governor of Massachusetts that appeared to help set the precedent for Obama's sweeping health care reform. Earlier in his career, Romney also was expressly pro-choice, another fact that doesn't sit well with Republicans.

If Romney wins the Republican Primaries, will he be conservative enough to garner the full support of the Republican voting populace? If not, Obama will likely run away with his bid for re-election. Despite some ups and downs in approval ratings and coming into office during a recession, Republicans will have a difficult time wrestling away the office from Obama unless they end up with a candidate that will invigorate the electorate. Romney, however, doesn't seem to be that person.

Ranches Hall is the owner of http://presidential2012candidates.com He has been online now for several years operating different blogs and online businesses and providing helpful information. He's a pastor and an accomplished songwriter.

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The Pandering to Women Voters in US Presidential Elections - Observations From the 2012 Election

By Lance Winslow

Apparently, the pollsters for the 2012 presidential election had noted that many women voters are still undecided, and a good many of them are leaning left, rather than right. Therefore there is a big fight and charge to pander to these women voters, and address all the issues they feel important. Now then, you must understand that women voters make up half of our country, so they are the largest and most important group for these candidates. Nevertheless the amount of pandering going on between the candidates and their women voters is getting to be laughable. Let's look at some examples shall we?

We noted on the first debate that President Obama came right out and stated it was his anniversary and he'd rather be spending it with his wife, rather than in front of 45 million people, which was the assumed number of people who would be watching the debates, it turned out it was quite a bit more. Nevertheless, that was a planned statement, and it was geared towards speaking to the women voters, it was a political strategy. I find that a little unnerving, even though it is plausibly deniable that the Obama reelection campaign strategists didn't plan it, but sure they did and we all know it.

There were several other attempts to pander to women during the debates, and it is quite evident in all of their stump speeches. It is as evident as the 10s of millions of dollars being spent on advertising to purely Spanish-speaking Hispanic news outlets by the Obama campaign. If we really are a great melting pot, and we are all considered equal, we should all be spoken to as adults, and this pandering needs to stop, it's getting to be pathetic. Indeed, in many regards it's happening on both sides so we shouldn't just pick on the Obama campaign, although they are ahead with the women voters currently due to their focus on this voting demographic segment.

Another thing we notice is many of the commentators on TV who are women and the women anchors are saying that they were offended by the belligerent attitude and debating style that they had witnessed. That's interesting because women in politics have always been rather hard-hitting, and all the women I know who are involved in politics are pretty intense themselves. Are the TV news commentators trying to mold the election and the process, or are they just as tired as I am about turning our national discussion on very important matters into nothing more than a two-minute tit-for-tat cat fight? Please consider all this and think on it.

Lance Winslow is the Founder of the Online Think Tank, a diverse group of achievers, experts, innovators, entrepreneurs, thinkers, futurists, academics, dreamers, leaders, and general all around brilliant minds. Lance Winslow hopes you've enjoyed today's discussion and topic. http://www.WorldThinkTank.net - Have an important subject to discuss, contact Lance Winslow.

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